If we are successful in our work, we can grow our field, enrich peoples' lives, and contribute to civic and global dialogues. Our values include:

• artistic risks while being fiscally responsible

• provocative art as a vehicle to connect people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives

• leadership in our field and the multiple communities we serve to strategically advance the role contemporary artists play in society

• professional and transparent management

• racial and social equity, and accountability

• our regional creative community as we engage with international artists and peers

We welcome all races, religions, countries of origin, sexual orientations, and genders here.

History:

As one of the leading organizations of our size and focus in the United States, On the Boards produces unique performance projects by leading artists and creates one-of-a-kind experiences for our audiences. We make significant investments in the performing arts community to help increase the quality of new work created. We contribute to the vitality of arts and culture in our region by helping launch and continue the careers of some of its most promising artists while growing audiences for experimental performance.

Since its inception, On the Boards has featured seminal performances by artists including Laurie Anderson, Bill T. Jones, The Wooster Group, Spalding Gray, Dumb Type, Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker, Sankai Juku, Gisèle Vienne, Bruno Beltrão, chelfitsch, Romeo Castellucci, John Jasperse, Jan Fabre, Back to Back Theatre, Faustin Linyekula, Mark Morris, Pat Graney, Dayna Hanson, Amy O’Neal, Reggie Watts, Zoe Scofield & Juniper Shuey, and Crystal Pite.

We fulfill our mission by supporting artists from the Northwest and beyond through new commissions and existing work presented online and in person. We provide local artists with residencies that include rehearsal space, development support, project management, dramaturgical and curatorial feedback, and advocacy to create new and exciting projects. Our publishing platform, On the Boards TV, is a one-of-its-kind portal that features HD performance films and contextual educational material to deepen audiences’ understanding of the field of contemporary performance. 

We offer a range of resources and events that provide in-depth information and complimentary social experiences to frame the art on our stages and create dynamic access for our audiences. Our FUBAR lobby and post-show events provide patrons with ample opportunities for socializing, and our creative partnerships with other arts leaders in Seattle nurture a more robust and connected creative community. Online contextual tools such as artist interviews, essays and reviews enable better understanding and discussion of the work we present while Q&A sessions and master classes provide direct access to artists. 

Building:

On the Boards moved into its current space, the Behnke Center for Contemporary Performance, in 1998 in Seattle's lower Queen Anne neighborhood in the historic Queen Anne Hall. We currently present a robust season in two theaters: our 300-seat Merrill Theater and our flexible Studio Theater.

Land Acknowledgement:

On the Boards acknowledges that we work on the unceded ancestral home of the Duwamish and many other Indigenous peoples, recorded and unrecorded, who have been the custodians of this land since time immemorial. As settlers on this land, we extend our deepest gratitude and respect to Indigenous people past, present, and future. 

On the Boards is exploring ways to better align our practices with Coast Salish protocol. Part of our understanding of the protocol is making material gifts to the Indigenous peoples of this land as a way of recognizing their historic and present dedication to the well-being of the territory and all beings who make a home here.  

We encourage you to donate online at: 

www.realrentduwamish.org

This acknowledgment does not take the place of authentic relationships with Indigenous communities but serves as a first step in honoring the land we occupy. To learn more about land acknowledgments visit: 

https://nativegov.org/a-guide-to-indigenous-land-acknowledgment

W.A.G.E. Certification:

On the Boards is committed to compensating artists fairly for their work. The Jacob Lawrence Gallery at the University of Washington and On the Boards are the only institutions in Washington state to be W.A.G.E. certified.